Radio DJ to sue BBC over charity stunt

Alex Belfield, 31, says he spent time in hospital and suffered cuts and bruises after being rugby tackled on-air by two players with Bradford Bulls.

The former mid-morning presenter claims he was not pre-warned about the rugby tackle and had previously made it clear to station managers that he did not want to take part in anything that involved “nudity, sport or pain”.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Belfield said the stunt last November was “hugely dangerous”.

“The genius that came up with this scheme had not considered that I was holding a microphone, wearing headphones, had two power packs and was knocked to the floor with such force...that I ended up at the Kings Mill Hospital and couldn’t get out of bed for two days.”

He has accused the BBC of a “lack of care” which he said amounted to bullying.

Both his hands were bleeding after the tackle and he still suffers lower back pain, it is claimed.

Mr Belfield said the incident was the “final straw” which eventually led to him leaving the station in March.

The controversial DJ had previously embarrassed colleagues with lewd on-air banter.

A BBC spokesman said: “We are aware of the Facebook post and do not accept its contents. We have no further comment.”